Work Pro Audio, the leading AV brand from Valencia’s Equipson Group, has announced the launch of the WNS-8P, an eight-port Ethernet switch designed especially for AV applications in the live, installation and integration markets. “Network technology is a fundamental component of the modern AV industry,” explains Equipson chief security officer Juan Jose Vila, “but for some time, our AV customers have been making us aware what a headache it can be to configure Ethernet switches designed for use in standard data networks, not AV applications. We realised there was a requirement for a switch designed specifically for AV installation professionals, and so the WNS-8P was born.”

Housed in a standard 19-inch rack, the WNS-8P offers Power Over Ethernet (PoE) on each of its standard Ethernet connectors, is compatible with RJ45 and etherCON connectors, and can be configured using a simple web-based interface. Compatible with WORK PRO’s numerous Ethernet-based AV solutions, including the BlueLine range (all of which can now be powered via the switch’s PoE connectors), ArtNet/sACN nodes and the recently launched LightShark range of lighting consoles and associated expanders, the WNS-8P is intended to have industry-wide appeal, bringing together Ethernet-based AV hardware from many manufacturers and forming the basis of (for example) Dante or DMX streaming networks.

The WNS-8P will be available later in 2018. For more information, go to www.workproaudio.com.